She said the production has introduced challenging music for the children, but has the utmost confidence in them all.

"The kids are doing a great job," Gerdes added.

Speaking of the children, Gerdes said many new faces have joined YPT, which shows there is a need for such a program that can appeal to all ages and all personalities. She said she and director Mary Cusack have had to adapt a play that typically uses 20 people to a play that uses a cast of about 100. To do so, the children have not only become the main characters, but have become the set, including flowers, trees and animals. This way, no child is turned away from joining the production, which Gerdes said is important.

One of the YPT's new cast members, Tayah Sorsen, 14, plays the role of Rapunzel. She said she likes the play's story and the mix of characters.

"It's funny and it's cool to see how the stories blend," said Sorsen.

She added she joined the cast because it is a creative outlet and she enjoys singing.

"I get to be somebody I'm not," said Sorsen, adding her character's personality of being quiet and scared is quite the opposite of her own.

Performances of "Into the Woods, Jr." will take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and March 1 and 2. A performance also will take place at 2 p.m. March 3.

Tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for students at the door. Family passes are also available.